The fast contribution of visual-proprioceptive discrepancy to reach aftereffects and proprioceptive recalibration

Adapting reaches to altered visual feedback not only leads to motor changes, but also to shifts in perceived hand location; “proprioceptive recalibration”. These changes are robust to many task variations and can occur quite rapidly. For instance, our previous study found both motor and sensory shifts arise in as few as 6 rotated-cursor training trials. The aim of this study is to investigate one of the training signals that contribute to these rapid sensory and motor changes. We do this by removing the visuomotor error signals associated with classic visuomotor rotation training; and provide only experience with a visual-proprioceptive discrepancy for training. While a force channel constrains reach direction 30o away from the target, the cursor representing the hand unerringly moves straight to the target. The resulting visual-proprioceptive discrepancy drives significant and rapid changes in no-cursor reaches and felt hand position, again within only 6 training trials. The extent of the sensory change is unexpectedly larger following the visual-proprioceptive discrepancy training. Not surprisingly the size of the reach aftereffects is substantially smaller than following classic visuomotor rotation training. However, the time course by which both changes emerge is similar in the two training types. These results suggest that even the mere exposure to a discrepancy between felt and seen hand location is a sufficient training signal to drive robust motor and sensory plasticity.York University Librarie

Involvement of small-scale dairy farms in an industrial supply chain: When production standards meet farm diversity

In certain contexts, dairy firms are supplied by small-scale family farms. Firms provide a set of technical and economic recommendations meant to help farmers meet their requirements in terms of the quantity and quality of milk collected. This study analyzes how such recommendations may be adopted by studying six farms in Brazil. All farms are beneficiaries of the country's agrarian reforms, but they differ in terms of how they developed their activities, their resources and their milk collection objectives. First, we built a technical and economic benchmark farm based on recommendations from a dairy firm and farmer advisory institutions. Our analysis of the farms' practices and technical and economic results show that none of the farms in the sample apply all of the benchmark recommendations; however, all farms specialized in dairy production observe the main underlying principles with regard to feeding systems and breeding. The decisive factors in whether the benchmark is adopted and successfully implemented are (i) access to the supply chain when a farmer establishes his activity, (ii) a grasp of reproduction and forage production techniques and (iii) an understanding of dairy cattle feed dietary rationing principles. The technical problems observed in some cases impact the farms' dairy performance and cash position; this can lead to a process of disinvestment. This dynamic of farms facing production standards suggests that the diversity of specialized livestock farmers should be taken into account more effectively through advisory approaches that combine basic zootechnical training with assistance in planning farm activities over the short and medium term. (Résumé d'auteur

Coping Strategies Mediate the Relationship Between Alexithymia and Health

Alexithymia, a construct of impaired emotion processing, has been shown to negatively impact mental health and is associated with higher physical symptom reporting. This study examined the relationship between alexithymia, coping, and health in a large ethnically diverse sample of undergraduate university students (N = 605; 65% female; 45% Hispanic). Exploratory factor analyses were conducted to create a latent measurement model for emotional approach, active coping and avoidant coping. Structural equation modeling was used to test a hypothesized structural model for coping mediating the effects of alexithymia on mental and physical health. Results indicated the association between alexithymia and negative emotion was mediated by avoidant coping. The relationship between alexithymia and physical symptoms was mediated by avoidant coping. Further, the association between alexithymia and positive emotion was mediated through the relationships between emotional approach and active coping. Women reported higher emotional approach coping, negative emotion, physical symptoms, and lower positive emotion than men. Non-Hispanic reported higher alexithymia and Hispanic reported higher positive emotion. The current study contributes to further understanding of the pathways from alexithymia and health by identifying coping mediators. Further, the differences in alexithymia, coping and outcomes for women and Non-Hispanic raises questions about treatment approaches and increasing coping skills for alexithymia within these populations

A Teacher\u27s Perceptions and Explorations of an Urban Middle School During the First Year of Teaching

This thesis is part of a trilogy, which presents a different approach to research. Three theses were written as a combination of individual research and a collaborative effort. Three first year teachers, who were also full time graduate students in the University of Nebraska at Omaha\u27s Career Advancement and Development for Recruits and Experienced Teachers (CADRE) project, have written their theses as a blend of individual research and collaborative reflection

Kenya research situation analysis on orphans and other vulnerable children

This item is archived in the repository for materials published for the USAID supported Orphans and Vulnerable Children Comprehensive Action Research Project (OVC-CARE) at the Boston University Center for Global Health and Development.Addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and mitigating negative outcomes of the growing OVC population worldwide is a high priority for national governments and international stakeholders that recognize this as an issue with social, economic, and human rights dimensions. Assembling the relevant available data on OVC in one place, and acknowledging the gaps that still exist in our knowledge, will assist policy makers and program implementers to make evidence-based decisions about how best to direct funding and program activities and maximize positive outcomes for children and their caretakers. This Research Situation Analysis, Kenya Country Brief, presents a program-focused summary of available information on: • The number of orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. • Current policies, programs and interventions designed and implemented to assist them. • Gaps in these policies, programs and interventions. • OVC research conducted between 2004 and 2008. • Gaps in the Kenyan OVC evidence base.The Brief analyzes the available data for critical gaps in the national response and our understanding about whether current interventions are fulfilling the needs and improving the lives of vulnerable children. The report then recommends actions required to increase the knowledge base for improving the effectiveness and impact of OVC programs.The USAID | Project SEARCH, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Comprehensive Action Research (OVC-CARE) Task Order, is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development under Contract No. GHH-I-00-07-00023-00, beginning August 1, 2008. OVC-CARE Task Order is implemented by Boston University. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agency

Should we change formula for a formula-fed infant with persistent spitting up, but with adequate weight gain?

We found no controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of changing formulas in the management of uncomplicated regurgitation. However, the evidence suggests that no benefit can be expected from changing formulas, including the discontinuation of iron-fortified formulas. Additionally, changing formulas leads many mothers to believe that their child has a disease or illness. Although controlled trials of infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) show that formula thickening (eg, with rice cereal) decreases spitting-up, and expert consensus panels recommend formula thickening (along with parental reassurance) as first-line therapy in the management of uncomplicated regurgitaion, one could question whether these outcomes in infants with GERD would hold for infants with uncomplicated regurgitation. Flat-prone positioning and avoiding the seated position is beneficial in infants with GERD, but the association of prone positioning with sudden infant death syndrome limits this intervention. (Grade of recommendation: D, based on a synthesis of information from controlled trials performed in other patient populations, retrospective surveys, physiologic evidence, and consensus expert opinion.

Zambia research situation analysis on orphans and other vulnerable children

This item is archived in the repository for materials published for the USAID supported Orphans and Vulnerable Children Comprehensive Action Research Project (OVC-CARE) at the Boston University Center for Global Health and Development.Addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and mitigating negative outcomes of the growing OVC population worldwide is a high priority for national governments and international stakeholders across the globe who recognize this as an issue with social, economic, and human rights dimensions. Assembling the relevant available data on OVC in one place, and acknowledging the gaps that still exist in our knowledge, will assist policy makers and program implementers to make evidence-based decisions about how best to direct funding and program activities and maximize positive outcomes for children and their caretakers. This Research Situation Analysis, Zambia Country Brief presents a program-focused summary of available information on: • The number of orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia • Current policies, programs and interventions designed and implemented to assist them • Gaps in these policies, programs and interventions • OVC research conducted between 2004-2008 • Gaps in the Zambian OVC evidence base. The Brief analyzes the available data for critical gaps in the national response and our understanding about whether current interventions are fulfilling the needs and improving the lives of vulnerable children. The report then recommends actions required to increase the knowledge base for improving the effectiveness and impact of OVC programs

Can Conservation and Profits Co-Exist?: The Case of Lion Hunting

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,